// COUNCIL CONSIDERS DOWNSIZE: 10 TO 6 MEMBERS

The Billings City Council will discuss a Charter amendment to reduce Council size from 10 to 6 members (7, with the Mayor), pending voter approval this November. The proposal could reshape how City Council operates, potentially streamlining decision-making and reducing marathon meetings. If approved by voters on November 4, 2025, the change would take shape in the 2027 election cycle, with a new structure in 2028.

Mapping it out:

Billings' current 10-member Council, with two members per ward, is larger than the national average of six members, according to the National League of Cities. In February 2023, Council adopted new district boundaries as required following the 2020 Census, balancing ward populations so that each of five wards contained approximately 23,500 residents. Council's consideration tonight for reducing council size would add a ward and reduce the number of constituents each councilmember represents to under 20,000.

(click the image to find your Ward)

Voters make the final call:

Council must adopt an ordinance by August 11, 2025, to place the Charter amendment on the November ballot. Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the Charter change, with a simple majority needed for passage.

• July 28, 2025: Deadline for first reading and public hearing
• August 11, 2025: Final deadline for second reading to make ballot
• November 4, 2025: Voters decide on Charter amendment
• July 1, 2027: Amendment would become effective (start of fiscal year 2028)
• November 2, 2027: Voters elect new Council
• January 1, 2028: New council structure would take effect

Simple Changes: are outlined in the draft ordinance, showing how minimal the changes to the Charter would be (below).

However, other considerations if voters approve the change include:



• Implementing a public process for redrawing the ward boundaries
• Transitioning and offsetting terms of current councilmembers

How many is "just right"?

It's a question without a "right" answer. The average, according to the National League of Cities, is six:

"Councils can range in size from 5 to 51 across the nation, although the national average is six. While the number of councilmembers may be proportional to the population of the municipality, there is no national standard of proportion."

Over 200 years ago James Madison wrote in Federalist 10 about the consequences of having too few and/or too many elected representatives.

"[H]owever small the republic may be, the representatives must be raised to a certain number, in order to guard against the cabals of a few; and that however large it may be, they must be limited to a certain number, in order to guard against the confusion of a multitude."

The bottom line—why not let voters weigh in:

In my decade working at the Billings Chamber I've asked a lot of business leaders to run for City Council. The most common response is a chuckle, and "Yeah, right..." Not due to some humility of believing they're not equipped to handle the position. But because they don't wan't to put up with the "circus", "fiasco", "quagmire", insert any number of synonyms for disfunction.

To be fair, I view much of City Council's oppositional debate as healthy. And as I like to point out when presenting voting data from the Legislative Sessions, the vast majority of what happens—whether in Helena or at City Council—is not opposition, but agreement. (In the final section of this newsletter, the AI summary of Council meeting minutes from the first half of 2025 notes that Council has: "a propensity for unanimous or near-unanimous voting on many items.")

Who can say what the "right" number of councilpersons should be. But if the impression of many in the business community is that Council is a "confusion of a multitude", perhaps it would be worth asking voters if we should try a smaller council on for size.

// WORK SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 p.m. - BILLINGS CITY HALL

In this section, we will include the meeting agenda for you to view. Clicking on the items will take you to more information. No need to read it all, but if something catches your eye, be sure to check it out.

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Cole 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ALL ITEMS. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes during each public comment period or as set by the Mayor. 

1. Billings PCE Superfund Site Update.

- Public Comment 

2. Transportation Alternatives Applications.

- Public Comment 

3. Draft Public Art Policy. 

- Public Comment 

4. Litter in Billings Discussion.

- Public Comment 

5. City Charter Amendment Discussion Concerning Possible Reduction of City Councilmembers and Redistricting.

- Public Comment 

HIGHLIGHT UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS OF COUNCIL INTEREST: 

COUNCIL DISCUSSION: 

PUBLIC COMMENT on “NON-AGENDA ITEMS”. Comments are limited to 3 minutes or as set by the Mayor.

ADJOURN: 

// WATCH THE MEETING ON COMMUNITY 7 TELEVISION

// CITY ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY REPORT

City Administrator Chris Kukulski began the routine of sending a weekly report every Friday to City Council and department heads with the intent to, "communicate the highlights of the past week and any critical issues coming up." The most recent CA Report includes updates on:

• Building Division Statistics
• Survey results on Rec2U parks program
• And much more...

// GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Below are some additional public meetings being held this week, along with information about when and where to attend, and what's on the agenda (if one is available).

Tuesday, July 8th

Yellowstone County Planning Board Meeting

6:00 - 7:30 pm, Council Chambers, 5th Floor, 316 N. 26th St. (New City Hall)

Midtown Community Collaborative Task Force

7:00 - 8:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee, 1528 N. 24th St. W

Wednesday, July 9th

Parks, Recreation and Public Land (PRC) Board Meeting

11:00 - 1:00 pm, Parks & Recreation Office, 390 N. 23rd St.

Council Legislative and Local Affairs Committee

4:00 - 5:00 pm, Rimrock Conf Room, 5th Floor, 316 N. 26th St. (New City Hall)

Thursday, July 10th

Tourism BID Board Meeting

8:30 - 10:00 am, Billings Chamber Board Rm, 815 S. 27th St.

Library Board Meeting

12:00 - 1:00 pm, Yellowstone Board Rm, 2nd Floor, 510 N. Broadway

// THE SQUEAKY WHEEL

// BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS

The Mayor's Office is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancies listed on the city website. For more information on each specific board, visit the city website. City Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, are advisory only, and members serve without compensation.

Submit applications to: Mayor's Office, PO Box 1178, Billings, MT 59103-1178.

The DEADLINE for applications is July 21, 2025.

BOARD OPENING (SEATS)

Billings Parking Board (1)

Housing Authority (1)

REQUIREMENTS

Must live in Billings

Live in 10 mi radius of Billings

// IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - AI SUMMARY AND SOURCE LINKS

In this section we normally revisit the previous week's meeting with an AI summary. However, since there was no meeting last Monday (it was the 5th Monday of the month), we thought we'd let AI take a look at ALL the previous meetings from this year.

2025 First Half Analysis

We uploaded all the meeting minutes (minus Feb 3 and June 23 for which no minutes are posted) for the first half of 2025 into NotebookLM, Google's AI for note taking and AI research. Claude was also used to generate a scatterplot chart of meeting durations. We've double-checked some of AI's calculations and found them to be correct. But that doesn't mean they're all correct. In the Major Themes and Key Decisions section, each bulleted item references the date of the minutes or summary document. (YYYY-MM-DD____.pdf)

Executive Summary

The Billings City Council conducted 27 meetings (12 Work Sessions, 12 Regular Business Meetings, 1 Special Meeting, and two for which we do not have minutes) from January 6, 2025, to June 23, 2025. Analysis of these meetings reveals a council with generally high attendance, a propensity for unanimous or near-unanimous voting on many items, but also clear divisions on significant policy and financial matters. Councilmembers Gulick, Rogers, Boyett, and Rupsis maintained perfect attendance.

Attendance Analysis

The attendance rate for each councilmember across 25 meetings that we have minutes for in the first half of 2025 is as follows:

Meeting Durations

The Billings City Council averaged over two hours on regular meetings and over 3 hours for work sessions from January to June 2025.

(click image to enlarge)

Major Themes and Key Decisions

A. Public Safety and Police Department Operations

CPSM Report & Police Staffing/Workload:

• The Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) conducted a study on Police staffing, workload, and overtime efficiency. Recommendations were reviewed, covering patrol, records, detective, information technology, and overtime policies.
• Key issues identified include "priority call issues and calls being coded incorrectly," data collection problems, "short shift pay," and the city's "unlimited comp time" policy. (2025-01-06 WSMinutes.pdf)
• The Police Department is working with Finance on "overtime recommendations" and explores billing private businesses for officer security services, though "timing for reimbursement is slow." (2025-03-03WSSummary.pdf)
• Detective Staffing: There was discussion about adding two detectives, with initial budget amendments specifying them for Domestic Violence (DV) units. Captain Mayo noted the intent was for general detectives, acknowledging overlap. Chief St. John stated the PD is "postured to divide into crimes against people / crimes against property." (2025-03-03WSSummary.pdf)
• Crisis Response Unit (CRU): Reinstatement of the CRU unit was discussed as it was "very helpful for the Police Department to quickly move on to the next call." There is a recognized "disconnect" as police officers are currently sent to mental health crisis calls, which is "not an efficient" use of resources. (2025-03-03WSSummary.pdf)
• Annual Report (April 2025): Chief St. John presented an overview of calls for service, crime rates, arrest statistics, and special programs like the volunteer program and animal control. Upcoming potential projects include the City starting its "own Police Academy," PD1 expansion, and a regional training center. (2025-04-07WSSummary.pdf)
• FY2026 Budget: Chief St. John outlined the department's focus, strategic priorities, public safety fund numbers, and O&M increases. Discussions included hiring/training, contract negotiations, traffic safety, and addressing overtime. (2025-06-02WSSummary.pdf)

Domestic Violence (DV) Services:

• The Northern Lights Family Justice Center had a public open house on February 11, 2025. (2025-02-10Minutes.pdf)
• An update on the Family Justice Center (FJC) confirmed its location, hours, and contact information, with successful outreach efforts. The intake process and next steps for the program were reviewed. (2025-05-12Minutes.pdf)

B. Urban Planning, Zoning, and Development

Zoning Code Amendments:

• "Housekeeping Amendments to Zoning Code" were discussed, including corrections and substantive changes, with staff planning to bring multiple separate ordinances for approval in March. (2025-01-20WSMinutes.pdf)
• A motion was made to remove storage container wording in residential areas, then amended to require "residential usage of storage containers as dwelling units" to come to City Council for special review, before a substitute motion to "delay any changes on storage containers until further information is brought forward" was approved 9-0. (2025-01-20WSMinutes.pdf)
• On March 24, housekeeping amendments to the Zoning Code were brought forward, including correcting errors, cross-references, and definitions. (2025-03-24Minutes.pdf)

Housing and Homelessness:

• HUD's first-time homebuyers class and the Foreclosure and Acquisition Program were discussed. Councilmember Owen expressed reservations about funding the foreclosure program and suggested focusing on homeless supportive services. (2025-03-17WSSummary.pdf)
• Rehabilitation of 1302 Parkhill Drive Housing Project was discussed, with concerns about property condition and code enforcement violations. (2025-05-12Minutes.pdf)
• The 2023 Legislative cycle allocated $50 million to address housing problems at the community level, and Yellowstone County received funding for this. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)

C. Infrastructure, Parks, and Public Lands

Street and Road Improvements:

• Various bid awards for street reconstruction, including "2025 Annual Street Reconstruction," "Overlook Drive Road," and "Stagecoach Trail" were approved. (2025-02-24Minutes.pdf, 2025-04-14Minutes.pdf)
• A consultant contract to complete the "21st Street Underpass Improvement Study" was approved despite concerns about lack of funding for the project itself. (2025-02-24Minutes.pdf)
• A contract with Applied Research Associates, Inc. for a "City Pavement Condition Survey and Assessment" was approved. (2025-02-24Minutes.pdf)
• Regular business meeting on May 27 approved the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, Annual Stormwater Rehab Program, and West End Reservoir Project. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)
• The City Engineer explained proposed changes to the "Curb Cut Ordinance," noting it would allow for wider sidewalks and streetlights and suggested updating language for abandoned or unused curb cuts. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)

Parks and Public Lands Management:

• Disposal of City Properties: Strong public and Parks and Recreation Board opposition was voiced against selling city parkland and public spaces. Council discussed creating a committee to identify properties that are not parks and consider public involvement. (2025-02-18WSMinutes.pdf)
• Amend Park:Discussion on the Amend Park Recreation Center project included site plans for courts and ice sports buildings, timeline, and budget. The project is expected to cost $20 million, with $3.9 million budgeted so far. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• The Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) committed $500,000 over 3 years to market the facility for sporting events. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• Concerns were raised about pedestrian safety around King Avenue East due to parking for the facilities, and a HAWK crossing light was suggested. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• Coulson Park Improvements: Approval of K2 Civil for improvements, with Council inquiry about Yellowstone River Parks Association interest in taking over the parcel. (2025-01-27Minutes.pdf)
• Skate Park: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NRPA and acceptance of grant funds from the Billings Skate Park Committee for recreational programming was approved. (2025-02-24Minutes.pdf) An update on proposed skate park improvements to increase safety was given, and a grant was received to offer free clinics and purchase equipment. (2025-04-14Minutes.pdf)
• Donations to Parks: Several donations were accepted, including for a basketball court in Pioneer Park in remembrance of Kaden Edinger, and a bench honoring military veterans for Veterans Park. (2025-02-24Minutes.pdf, 2025-06-09Minutes.pdf)
• Sponsorship Program: Parks, Recreation and Public Lands explored developing a sponsorship program, including endowment opportunities and recognition through programs, team shirts, and vehicles. (2025-03-17WSSummary.pdf)

Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure:

• Master Plan: The Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan was presented, focusing on simplified goals, mileage built for bikeways/sidewalks/trails, implementation strategy, and successful grant funding. (2025-03-03WSSummary.pdf)
• Councilmember Rupsis "Loved the plan" and "Encouraged stoplights over roundabouts for high comfort." (2025-03-03WSSummary.pdf)
• The plan was initially tabled due to Councilmember Aspenlieder's motion. (2025-03-10Minutes.pdf)
• The "Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)" discussed its focus, community concerns, and crash data, noting "accidents most likely on wide, fast roads. Need bike lanes." (2025-06-16WSSummary.pdf)
• The "FY26 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)" includes transportation planning projects, with discussion on "Safe Routes to School projects" and the "5th Avenue Corridor." (2025-06-16WSSummary.pdf)

D. Fiscal Management and Budget

Budget Goals and Challenges:

• Resolution adopting FY2026 City Council Budget Goals was approved. Councilmember Kennedy sought "line-item budgeting for Council to view, freezing some budget items to last year’s amounts and consider a 5 percent budget reduction in every department." (2025-02-10Minutes.pdf)
• Discussion around budget goals revealed concerns about "theoreticals and preferred hard data" versus actual numbers. (2025-02-10Minutes.pdf)
• A motion to "develop a budget that maintains FY25 property tax revenue in FY26 and begin planning for a mill levy question during FY27" was approved 9-2. (2025-05-05WSSummary.pdf)

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Urban Renewal Districts:

• Urban Renewal Districts were reviewed, including Downtown Revolving Loan, Downtown Tax Increment, East Billings Tax Increment, and South Billings Tax Increment funds. MOUs for these districts expired June 30, 2025, with a recommendation for extension through October for reevaluation. (2025-06-03WSSummary.pdf)
• Discussion on allowing TIF funding for a parking lot for the Billings Crime Prevention Center. (2025-03-24Minutes.pdf)
• Tax Increment Financing Assistance was approved for Air Controls Billings, Inc. for remodeling, and for Yellowstone Ice Foundation for pad site improvements at Amend Park. (2025-04-14Minutes.pdf)
• Tax Increment Financing Assistance for Torgerson's LLC (new heavy equipment dealership) was also approved. (2025-04-14Minutes.pdf)

Utility Rates and Fees:

• Public Works rates were presented, recommending increases for water and stormwater, and a decrease in wastewater System Development Fees (SDF) for city residents. Solid waste sought an additional driver due to a $600,000 loss from Pacific Recycling taking business away. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• Option 2 for Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water rates was approved 8-1. Council requested SDFs be routed through the Budget and Finance Committee before returning to Council. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• Final rates for FY26 Street Maintenance District Assessments were approved 10-1. FY26 Storm Sewer System Fee Rates were approved 9-2. FY26 Solid Waste Collection, Disposal, and Landfill Fees were approved 6-5. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)
• FY26 and FY27 Water and Wastewater Rates and Fees were extensively discussed, with initial proposals for higher increases being debated. A resolution was passed with the exception of the wholesale rates. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)

Property Tax and Legislative Impacts:

• Constituents spoke of the "necessity for property tax reductions." (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• State Legislative bills HB 231 and SB 155, which impact the City's revenue and mill levy cap, were discussed. (2025-03-24Minutes.pdf)
• HB542 was a major point of discussion, with concerns about it being "harsh toward Billings" and its impact on the City's charter. The bill proposes a $400 rebate for 2025 and caps on increases in 2026. The State would "backfill cities that lose monies with entitlement share for 4 years" if Section 4 is found illegal. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• The possibility of a lawsuit impacting the City's Charter was discussed, with Councilmember Owen speaking against "the City participating in any discussion that would impact the City’s Charter." (2025-04-14Minutes.pdf)

E. City Operations and Governance

City Council Chambers and Meetings:

• The February 3rd Work Session was held at the "New City Council Chambers, 316 N. 26th St." (2025-01-27Minutes.pdf)

Purchasing Policy:

• A resolution inadvertently repealed a portion of the previous purchasing policy. A new resolution correcting this was expected for the May 12th meeting. (2025-04-21WSSummary.pdf)
• The "Resolution 25-11268 adopting the City’s Purchasing Policy" was approved. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)

City Administrator's Employment Agreement:

• An addendum to the City Administrator's employment agreement for FY26 was discussed, proposing a 3% increase. A motion to amend to a 3% or 10-year average Social Security COLA amount failed 5-6. (2025-05-27Minutes.pdf)

Municipal Primary Election:

• A special meeting was held on June 16, 2025, to discuss a resolution "requiring or canceling a Municipal Primary Election on September 9, 2025." The motion to cancel the primary election for all offices was approved 8-2. (2025-06-16 Special Meeting Minutes.pdf)

Airport Authority:

• A motion was approved (10-1, Neese opposed) to "Direct staff to define the scope and bring information back to Council becoming an Airport Authority." This transition and its effects on the city, services outside limits, and costs were discussed. (2025-04-07WSSummary.pdf)
• The Airport Authority's budget, including capital grant numbers and anticipated FY27-31 budget requests, was reviewed. (2025-05-20WSSummary.pdf)

// ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES

// BUSINESS ADVOCACY SPONSORS